Tapemark’s mission is to bring us closer to a day when all Minnesotans, regardless of ability, can live, work, and play in their own communities with dignity, hope, and respect. In order to do this, we need to support those great organizations that share in this mission. This is why we make contributions throughout the year to these non-profits, because… well… they just deserve it!
In March, the Tapemark Charity-Pro Am donated the following funds:
$15,000 – Arc Greater Twin Cities
$5,000 – The Arc of Minnesota
$5,000 – Children’s Home Society and Family …

One out of every ten Minnesotans has a family member or friend who lives with a developmental or learning disability. And more than 15 percent of Minnesotans live with a learning disability. These are staggering numbers, and the challenges facing people with disabilities are just as overwhelming. Furthermore, these disabilities are lifelong challenges, not “curable” or “treatable” conditions. And this requires that someone be there to support people with disabilities their entire life.
The Tapemark Benefiting Charities and the Tapemark Charity Pro-Am offer the promise of this constant support. For more …

As the head golf professional at Southview Country Club, Phil Anderson works incredibly hard to make sure each Tapemark Charity Pro-Am is a huge success. But that dedication doesn’t end when the tournament finishes. This winter Anderson continued a tradition he began the minute he got his head pro job.
At the close of the golf season, Anderson takes all his remaining clothing stock from his pro shop and donates it to Arc’s Value Village. In 2009, that donation amounted to $6,170 of brand new golf apparel. In the last two …

The learning disabilities program at Children’s Home Society and Family Services
Kimberly was feeling overwhelmed. Her daughter, Maryam, a freshman in high school, was recently diagnosed with
autism. Her son, Salahalein, is an eighth-grader who struggles with dyslexia. The private school they attend doesn’t provide all the support services they need and shuttles them back and forth to public schools in the same district for certain classes. The arrangement had grown more complicated. Kimberly needed an advocate.
“I picked up these flyers from Children’s Home Society & Family Services and I said, …

Family entrusts daughter to ProAct
Now in her early 60s, Kathy Thames was born into a different world for people with disabilities, a time of low expectations and limited resources devoted to care and development programs. The oldest of 10 children, Kathy grew up in a close and caring family and she was encouraged to become her own person. Although she had limited verbal skills, her puzzles were always out and she had a favorite seat at the table. Her mother, Jane Thames, recalls that she had nicknames for all of …

Cooking and Friendship are the Perfect Ingredients
Two initiatives offered through Dakota Communities are providing a way for Angie to do her favorite things while simultaneously improving her health and quality of life.
Angie, a 24-year-old with mild cerebral palsy, moved into Paul’s Place, a Dakota Communities’ home, in September 2008. Almost before her things were unpacked, the staff discovered two of her favorite things to do.
“Angie likes to cook with the staff,” said Jodi Iverson, Angie’s Program Coordinator. “And she loves to talk!” When asked what she enjoys most …

In Good Times and Bad, Arc Helps Families Cope
Tom, who has Down syndrome, attends church with his family and has been active in his church for years.
Tim, whose spinal cord injury requires him to use a wheelchair, edits a local newspaper.
Michael, a kindergartner with Down syndrome, circulates among adults and children, flashing a huge smile and extending his hand to everyone he sees. Just a couple of decades ago, all three would likely have lived in an institution, shut off from society, their lives disregarded and their gifts denied. …

In Good Times and Bad, Arc Helps Families Cope
When times are challenging and problems too big to handle alone, Arc Greater Twin Cities is there for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Arc has a comprehensive array of services and programs that can help in many ways. Just as important, Arc is a community of people who have have wisdom and inspiration to share. People like Diane Allen of Rosemount.
“I think people who have kids with disabilities are a little more resilient than most,” said Diane. …

Not only did the winning team in the 2009 Tapemark take home their own prizes, they got the joy of presenting a $3,000 check to Marianne Reich of Arc Greater Twin Cities. The team of Brett Swedberg, Ryan Steensland, Bob Neitzke, and Greg Wittnebel flew the flag of Arc GTC throughout the weekend, as each of the 60 teams played for one of the five Tapemark Benefiting Agencies. The Charity Challenge is a separate pool of money designed to connect our players directly to the charities we support. So there …